It's about superstitions people have about some things in their minds.Some things people can not explain by reason but strongly believe that, for example, it isn't clever to pass by under a ladder for it causes bad luck to the one who's done it.

Also try not to break the mirror or the things will be going wrong for you in the next seven years.

Seems as if i broke not only one mirror in the past but few of them

Last edited by Tukanja on Fri Sep 19, 2008 3:56 pm, edited 6 times in total.

For sure you haven't neither crossed either your left or right or both of the midle fingers over the corresponding index ones when typing the message nor you have knocked on wood for all the furniture, in the room which you've been chatting from, had been made of plastic-glass combinations.

Some people touch wood for luck, when they say something that they want to come true. It does indeed come from superstition.

I've actually heared once that this custom emanates from Christian tradition or at least Christian superstition.Touch wood really refers to Christ (Jesus).When saying touch wood people use to knock on a wodden object.This is because Jesus was crucified (apparently) on a wooden cross.So this is a symbolic way of reminding him, as if one wish to reinforce his belief in him or ask for a divine guarding, especially when you don't want to bring the jinx (bad luck, evil eye) to you.

- I was never involved in a car exident, touch wood.

- I earned a lot money from that deal, touch wood.

Oh, I practise that but didn't know the meaning behind... all what I know is that it's just done to ward off some badluck related to what one mentioned...

Fingers crossed can actually have two different meanings. The first has already been explained here: we say "fingers crossed!" when we are talking about a plan for the future that with luck will come true.

Examples:"I sent in my application to the university and, fingers crossed, hopefully I'll get in."If someone wants to wish you luck they may say "I've got my fingers crossed for you."

The other meaning is actually the exact opposite: when a child tells a lie they often cross their fingers behind their back so that other people know they're lying. Generally though, this meaning is communicated through the physical action of showing people your fingers are crossed rather than saying anything, but a conversation like this is possible:

Mr A: Did you do the laundry?Child: No.Mr A: I thought you said you would.Child: Yes, but I had my fingers crossed.